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What You Need to Know about Bicycle Accidents in Florida

Although the overall fatality rate among bicyclists is low, studies show that bicyclists have a greater risk of experiencing a fatal accident compared to motorists. Each year, bicyclists account for about two percent of motor vehicle accident deaths, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

As Florida lawyers and residents, we know how tempting it is to jump on a bicycle. Our state’s pleasant weather and miles of beautiful coastline make bicycling a fun way to keep fit, commute to work, and spend time with loved ones.

Sobering Stats about Bicycle Accidents

Unfortunately, bicycling is not without risks. If you are a bicyclist, it’s important to be aware of the very real dangers cyclists face. Here are some facts that may surprise you.

Head injuries are common. The most serious injuries are often to the bicyclist’s head.

Helmets save lives. Helmet use has been estimated to decrease a bicyclist’s risk of head injury by more than 50 percent, as well as reducing the odds for a face or neck injury by over 30 percent.

Older bicyclists are at risk. Statistics show that over 85 percent of bicyclist deaths involve individuals age 20 and older. In fact, the death rate among bicyclists age 20 and older has nearly tripled since 1975.

Bicyclist deaths are on the rise. In 2015 alone, more than 820 bicyclists died on U.S. roads, which was an increase of over 12 percent and the highest number of deaths due to bicycle accidents since 1995.

Bicyclist injuries are increasing. Additional statistics show that roughly 45,000 bicyclists were injured in traffic accidents in 2015, and more than 50,000 bicyclists were injured in 2014.

Men have a higher risk. Male bicyclists accounted for around 87 percent of bicycle fatalities and about 83 percent of bicycle injuries nationwide in 2015.

Alcohol is often a factor. Nearly one-fifth of bicycle accidents involve a cyclist who has been drinking.

City cyclists have a higher risk of injury and death. Over 70 percent of bicycle accident fatalities occur in urban areas and usually during daylight hours.

Florida Has the Nation’s Highest Rate of Fatal Bicycle Accidents

According to the Tampa Tribune, Florida has the unfortunate distinction of leading the nation in fatal bicycle accidents.

The gulf between Florida and other states is shockingly large: At .57 deaths per 100,000 people, the Sunshine State’s bicycle death rate is more than double the national rate of .23 per 100,000 people.

Furthermore, Florida has a lot of work to do when it comes to lowering this disturbing statistic. Whereas nearly all the other states in the country have lowered their fatal bicycle accident rates in recent years, Florida’s overall fatal bicycle accident numbers have barely moved.